We are happy to present the winning entry from our creative writing contest.It was very close ,so ,please read some of theother excellent entries inside.

1st Prize

Changing Seasons

Autumn is here, in all it's splendour,creating a picture for us to see.The leaves on the trees are turning to crimson,A free gift for you and me.

The heavens above offer a display of colour,that can be seen on cool clear nights.The dancing lights that we watch with wonder,are of course the Northern Lights.

Our world has changed from green to goldfast, like the blink of an eye,It's like a beautiful painting,free for you and I.

The birds are starting to fly away,to the South where the weather is warm.They know it will soon be turning cold,this northern haven has lost it's charm.

I know I'm going to enjoy this beauty,as long as this season lasts.The snowflakes will fall and the wind will blow,much, much too fast. written by Dorothy Ansdell ( Karen Booth's Mom)

2nd place $10 Prize The Fall

The fall in the canyon-most of allYou see the leaves brown, yellow, green and gold.A drive through the canyon this time of yearIs truly a sight to behold.

But worst of all, the darn things fallAll over my acre of lawn.I really shudder when they plug up my gutter;That's not what I love about fall.

But if I wait awhile, I can say with a smileComes the best part of the fall.The wind comes up and with no regardBlows the leaves into the neighbour's yard.

And I don't have to rake at all----So that's what I like about the fall.

John Black, Boston Bar

Congratulations John, give us a call to claim your prize.

My One True LoveHonourablemention- $5Her giggles and smiles and her feminine wiles,

Her soft, smooth skinand her beguiling grin,

I'm a slave to this girlMy whole heart's in a whirl.

Forever to love her from afarbut, if we meet in a crowded bar

Dare I yearnthat she feel the burn?

As I brush her shoulderand slowly smoulder

Dare I confesscould she look in my eyes and guess?

she's the source of this firemy heart's desire

I will never know her touchI will love her all my lifeI could love her.....oh so muchbut she's my best friend's wife

Entry received anonymouslyThank you to "The Unknown Poet"$5 prize may be claimed by giving us a call

"Is That What I Think It Is?"

As a follow up to the mushroom articles, we would like to address some other concerns of forayers.Echoing through the woods one can hear those familiar refrains; " Don't leave me!!! what if I meet a bear?! " Is that what I think it is? what was that crash? Wait up!" Parks Canada has outlined for us exactly what to do should you meet a bear in the woods. Remember that no two bears are alike, so these rules are really just suggestions. First of all STAY CALM, never scream and run regardless of your first instincts. Avoid making eye contact, but don't turn your back on him. BACK AWAY SLOWLY the same way you came. If the animal paws the ground and snorts or blows, then charges at you but veers away at the last moment, try not to panic or pass out from fear, continue to back away slowly. Try to LOOK LARGE, stand up tall, raise your arms above your head, talk in a deep gruff voice, and try to find a weapon such as a heavy stick or a rock. If the bear still shows interest in you, toss your pack, it may distract him. (park rangers discourage this, as bears may learn to pursue people for their packs) If you have no other recourse, climb a tree. A full grown bear is unable to climb trees, contrary to popular myth. Don't attract bears in the first place, do not leave food or garbage lying around your camp.